Get the Right People on The Bus
March 31st, 2008 Posted in GeneralIn the classic book Good to Great Jim Collins says, “…to build a successful organization and team you must get the right people on the bus.” His research shows that great companies and organizations do this. They get the right people and put them in the right seats.
But a question I’ve been wondering lately that is not in his book is “Who are the right people?” After all, in order to get the right people on the bus you must identify who the right people are, right?
While speaking to the Cornell University lacrosse team in December I had the chance to spend time with the Head Coach, Jeff Tambroni, who has built Cornell into one of the top lacrosse programs in the country. As a former Cornell lacrosse player and given the work I do now I was very curious how Jeff was able to build a winning team and attract great players year after year.
Without hesitating he said, “We know who our type of player is. We have identified what we are looking for in a Cornell lacrosse player. We tell them that we will work and train harder than any other team in the country. So if they don’t have a strong work ethic they are not our type of player. We also find the right athletes who we can develop and mold into our system. This has made it a lot easier on our recruiting. Instead of recruiting 30 players we go after the top 10 that are right for us.”
This principle of identifying the right people was echoed by the Director of Learning at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. He told me how the Ritz has saved millions of dollars by identifying the key characteristics, strengths and traits of each job/position at the hotel and then creating a benchmark that every potential employee is measured against. Utilizing a company called Talent Plus they interview each potential employee and then identify how they measure up to the benchmark of the position they are applying for. As a result they are better able identify who the right people are for each job at the hotel.
As managers, team leaders and engaged employees it’s not enough to say that we need to get the right people on the bus. We must identify who the right people are and create a process that gets them on the right bus and in the right seat.
Here’s a simple process to get started.
1. Identify who the right people are. Each organization and team will have different needs so your right people may be different than other organizations and teams.
2. One exercise you can do is to sit down with your leadership and human resources team and identify several people in your organization who you wish you could clone. Write down their characteristics and traits and create your own benchmark of the right person for each position.
3. Identify the type of person that fits your organization and team culture. For example, if you want to create a positive culture make sure you hire positive people. If you want to create a culture that is creative then hire creative people.
4. Make sure you take your time during the hiring/recruiting process. If you invest your time, resources and energy to get the right people on the bus you’ll have less headaches, expenses and flat tires later on.
5. Remember, the people you surround yourself with will often determine the kind of ride it’s going to be.
Tell us what you think! How does your organization get the right people on the bus? Post your comments.
Sending Positive Energy Your Way!
-Jon
6 Responses to “Get the Right People on The Bus”
By Martha on Mar 31, 2008
I inherited the people on the bus so to speak. How do I get people off the bus that are doing an average job but are not the right fit for the direction the bus is headed?
All are “at will” employees but I can’t fire them for no reason can I?
By Shivani Grewal on Apr 1, 2008
Dear John,
I took the liberty to address you with your fist name as you are someone who I greatly admire and treat as my mentor. Though I have never had the opportunity to meet you I still feel connected to your ideas and thoughts.
I live in India in a city called Chandigarh and work in Parwanoo as Asst. Manager Corporate communications in Cellebrum; the company is a VAS provider and is known in the industry nationally and internationally.
Your absolutely practical and obvious messages (they are obvious only when one reads them through your perspective) are food for my soul and many others with whom I share them. Anyone who wants to be an integral part of my life and work knows the secret—they have to be great John Gordon admirers and followers (I insist this as must …just kidding though I wish I could).
Thank you for your constant guidance in life and work … hope you would get to read this as it would mean the world to me. I have never been a great fan of self help books/seminars but you definitely have me HOOKED. Thank you once again.
Hoping that you will continue providing us many more joyous & educational rides on this bus…
Keep Driving!!!
Shivani Grewal
By Dana's Energy Drawings on Apr 2, 2008
Everything you’re saying applies to my small online business as well. Although I don’t hire or recruit, I do form alliances and partnerships with “all the right people” to be sure I stay on my creative bus!
By Mike Gingerich on Apr 2, 2008
Jon - I’ve been getting your e-news for about 7-8 months now and always find it inspiring and helpful. In fact, I posted the one about your annual plunge into frigid waters on my bathroom mirror above my goals as a way to keep me on track!
“Getting the right people on the bus” is so important! Our company, Insight Strategic Concepts(R) has developed an online tool to help companies in this area. Our secure, web-based BLOOM™ Performance Optimization System enables strategy and people to efficiently and effectively be aligned within any size organization. For us, it’s the practical tool that makes it possible to put the right people in the right places, aligning them with the right initiatives to accomplish a well planned business growth strategy. It helps companies develop people as they grow their business!
I’d love to talk to more about BLOOM(TM) and how it can assist with helping organizations get the right people, develop the right people to their fullest potential, and align them to best accomplish the company goals. Read more here: http://www.insightsc.com/systems_bloom.asp
take care,
Mike
By Adrianne Machina on Apr 2, 2008
Jon,
One thing I’d add to your post about recruiting the right employees is the importance (in small businesses especially!)to recruit the right type of clients.
The idea of saying NO to income can be scary at first? But really, can you put your heart and soul into helping someone you DISLIKE become successful? I sure can’t! You only have so many hours in the day - what do you want your legacy to be? So it’s important to identify your target market - beyond just demographics.
One of the things I teach my clients - and practice in my own marketing business - is how to attract the right types of clients. Unless you are “starving,” don’t accept clients just because they need you or have money. Fire clients when they become energy vampires. Make room for good clients who bring joy and energy into your life.
To me, a business relationship is like any other relationship. Put some effort into identifying the characteristics of your ideal client - then go out and find them!
Adrianne Machina
Chief Velocity Officer, Tornado Marketing
Authorized Duct Tape Marketing Coach
http://www.tornadomktg.com
By Brigitte on Apr 4, 2008
Jon
Thank you for this great tip. As a Solopreneur, Tip #5 especially resonates with me.
“Remember, the people you surround yourself with will often determine the kind of ride it’s going to be”
Brigitte Nadeau
52 Free weekly tips on attracting more of what you want at http://www.AttractGoodVibes.com